Christmas Peer Pressure .... Screewged
We struggle as parents to let our kids know what the true meaning of Christmas is. Simultaneously, we want to give them a Christmas to remember. To me, Christmas is about giving. It is also as much about creating memories that will last a lifetime.
My son is 6 and for two months I've been hearing, "How many more days till Christmas Dad?". "Christmas is the favorite time of year", he says this as a fact, not necessarily as just his favorite.
I for one, am not to prone to peer pressure. I have been accused, on many, many occassions, as being the one who creates peer pressure in a group, but not prone to it (doesn't mean I don't give into it from time to time).
I guess I am voicing how tired I am of having the same family conversations every year with brothers, my wife, her family, my extended family, etc. about who's buying for who and how much. Screw it! I am not doing it this year. It's about giving, and I WILL NOT do it according to whom I am suppose to buy for and for how much. . . again I say Screw it! No more buying beyond my means to appease the "Family". It's the same thing every year.... don't save for it, Charge It! ... well, ain't gonna do it nooo more. They can either be happy or pissed, I don't care. I will give out of what I have, for who I want, and I will give what comes from me and not the latest Techno-Gotta Have-Unique-Stand in Line-no-ones got-Advertising on TV or the nearest billboard. Screw-It!
Merry Christmas!
7 comments:
Amen. I used to spend a fortune on presents, cards, baking cookies (I'm still doing that). But then we got into financial problems and I took a whole new look at Christmas. For my son, yes, it's about the presents, but my husband and I are trying to look at it as a time of healing and rejoicing in both our faith and how far we have come as a couple. The miracle of Christ's birth can be a metaphor for any new beginning that promises hope and change. And yes, I have to cut down on my gift giving. In my family, if you don't give the right gift, they get upset. So now I am pausing. If I can get them what they want, fine. But that isn't the point. The holidays in America is about the dollar. But that is not the proper spirit.
I hate having to buy a gift for someone that I really dont care to be gifting... and being told how much to spend... On the flip side we can pretend that Christmas is not about material things, but to a child it is really all about that... as much as you teach the other bits... sooooooo idk the answer...
our family used to do that crap. but it got to the point where us kids all had kids, families grew, etc... we buy for our immediate family, and grandma. if someone so chooses to get something for someone else, it is on their own doing. if we do buy for others, we usually draw names, that way it doesn't get out of hand, and it is only buying for one extra person than normal.
but don't be a dick kevin! HA!
Johnny, Johhny....
I expected no less from you. I am looking forward to us getting together in a few.
Kev
Good post
Me too. Now that we all have kids it's getting expensive.
We agreed this year to just buy present for the kiddies.
If I could I'd buy everyone in my family something. I used to when I was married and it was draining. I would still do it though.
hey... hope Christmas was great! Happy new year to you and your family!
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